Books like Henry and Mudge and the Best Day of All

Our favorite pals are back in this, the fourteenth book of the series. Whatever newest mini adventure they may be going on next, what keeps the Henry and Mudge books relevant after this many entries isn't the specifics of plot and action, but the steady, never-changing feeling that they will still be friends through anything that happens. Henry and his dog will come out on the other side as happy and close as they were on page one, and that's something you can count on no matter what. Those two sure know how to treat a valuable friendship. It's May 1, and that means it's Henry's birthday! Mudge isn't terribly excited about Henry's promises of how wonderful the day's festivities are going to be, at least not until the words "cake" and "ice cream" are spoken. Then Mudge is just as enthusiastic as his best friend. There's a party with many other kids, hundreds of balloons tied all over the house—even in unexpected areas, such as the bathroom—outdoor games and prizes, presents, lots of good food... There's even a piñata for Henry to demolish, stuffed with a variety of candy and Mudge's favorite...crackers! How is a dog to be any happier than after learning it's not so crazy a dream to imagine his favorite food falling from the sky? There's fun to be had for all, until the guests are ready to go home full and greatly pleased with the events of the day. But for the birthday boy, it's not just the cake, festivities and gifts that make his birthday the best day of all. It's sharing all these good things with his mom, his dad, and his best friend Mudge, and knowing they'll be together again tomorrow and every day after that; it's relaxing in the shade after the big party, resting comfortably with one other and dreaming of birthday wishes big and small. Henry and Mudge have a lot going for them on this "Best Day of All", and love is in no short supply in their family. It sure does make a birthday extra sweet when you celebrate it with the ones you care about most. Cynthia Rylant writes with lovely perceptivity for such brief stories, sketching a small but affectionate family on days special and ordinary, all to the same effect. I love spending time with Henry and Mudge, and hope their stories go on spreading warmth and cheer for years to come. There's a good chance I would give two and a half stars to Henry and Mudge and the Best Day of All.